U.S. patent application number 12/681723 was filed with the patent office on 2010-09-02 for air conditioner.
Invention is credited to Yasunobu Okumura, Tomohiro Yabu.
Application Number | 20100218534 12/681723 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40525943 |
Filed Date | 2010-09-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100218534 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Yabu; Tomohiro ; et
al. |
September 2, 2010 |
AIR CONDITIONER
Abstract
The invention is directed to downsize a humidity adjustment unit
as much as possible, thereby reducing the whole size of an air
conditioner. An air conditioner (1) includes a humidity adjustment
unit (2) for adjusting air humidity, and a temperature adjustment
unit (8) for adjusting air temperature. The humidity adjustment
unit (2) includes a humidity adjustment casing (20), first and
second adsorption heat exchangers (14, 15) for adjusting the
humidity of the air in the humidity adjustment casing (20), and a
humidity adjustment electrical component unit (19). The temperature
adjustment unit (8) includes a temperature adjustment casing (80)
aligned with the humidity adjustment casing (20), and a temperature
adjustment heat exchanger (94) which is contained in the
temperature adjustment casing (80), and adjusts the temperature of
the air. The humidity adjustment electrical component unit (19)
includes a radiator fin (19a) which dissipates generated heat, and
is arranged in an air flow passage in the temperature adjustment
casing (80).
Inventors: |
Yabu; Tomohiro; (Osaka,
JP) ; Okumura; Yasunobu; (Osaka, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BIRCH STEWART KOLASCH & BIRCH
PO BOX 747
FALLS CHURCH
VA
22040-0747
US
|
Family ID: |
40525943 |
Appl. No.: |
12/681723 |
Filed: |
September 12, 2008 |
PCT Filed: |
September 12, 2008 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/JP2008/002528 |
371 Date: |
April 5, 2010 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
62/271 ;
62/498 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F24F 13/20 20130101;
F24F 3/044 20130101; F25B 13/00 20130101; F24F 3/1429 20130101;
F24F 3/1411 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
62/271 ;
62/498 |
International
Class: |
F25B 15/00 20060101
F25B015/00; F25B 1/00 20060101 F25B001/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Oct 5, 2007 |
JP |
2007-262461 |
Claims
1. An air conditioner comprising: a humidity adjustment unit (2)
for adjusting air humidity, and a temperature adjustment unit (8)
for adjusting air temperature, wherein the humidity adjustment unit
(2) includes a humidity adjustment casing (20), a humidity
adjustment section (11) for adjusting humidity of air in the
humidity adjustment casing (20), and a humidity adjustment
electrical component unit (19), the temperature adjustment unit (8)
includes a temperature adjustment casing (80) aligned with the
humidity adjustment casing (20), and a temperature adjustment
section (91) which is contained in the temperature adjustment
casing (80) to adjust temperature of air, and the humidity
adjustment electrical component unit (19) includes a radiator (19a)
which dissipates generated heat, and is arranged in an air flow
passage in the temperature adjustment casing (80).
2. The air conditioner of claim 1, wherein the temperature
adjustment section (91) includes a temperature adjustment heat
exchanger (94) for adjusting the temperature of the air flowing in
the air flow passage in the temperature adjustment casing (80), and
the humidity adjustment electrical component unit (19) is arranged
upstream of the temperature adjustment heat exchanger (94).
3. The air conditioner of claim 2, wherein the temperature
adjustment heat exchanger (94) is obliquely arranged in the air
flow passage in the temperature adjustment casing (80).
4. The air conditioner of claim 1, wherein the humidity adjustment
section includes a refrigerant circuit (11) performing a
refrigeration cycle, and connecting an adsorption heat exchanger
(14, 15) which carries an adsorbent for adsorbing and desorbing
moisture on a surface thereof, and a temperature adjustment
compressor (12) which compresses a refrigerant, and the temperature
adjustment compressor (12) is arranged in the temperature
adjustment casing (80).
5. The air conditioner of claim 1, wherein the temperature
adjustment section includes a refrigerant circuit (91) performing a
refrigeration cycle, and connecting a temperature adjustment heat
exchanger (94) which adjusts the temperature of the air flowing in
the air flow passage in the temperature adjustment casing (80), and
a compressor (92) which is arranged in an outdoor unit, and
compresses a refrigerant, the humidity adjustment section (11)
includes an adsorption heat exchanger (14, 15) which carries an
adsorbent for adsorbing and desorbing moisture on a surface
thereof, and the adsorption heat exchanger (14, 15) is connected to
the refrigerant circuit (91).
6. The air conditioner of claim 1, wherein the humidity adjustment
unit (2) and the temperature adjustment unit (8) are separately
constructed, and are integrally assembled in assembly of the air
conditioner.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to air conditioners including
a humidity adjustment unit for adjusting air humidity, and a
temperature adjustment unit for adjusting air temperature.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] Air conditioners for performing air humidity adjustment and
air temperature adjustment separately have been known.
[0003] For example, an air conditioner of Patent Document 1
includes a temperature adjustment unit for handling sensible heat
of air by performing a vapor compression refrigeration cycle, and a
humidity adjustment unit for handling latent heat of air by means
of an adsorbent capable of adsorbing/desorbing moisture in the
air.
[0004] PATENT DOCUMENT 1: Japanese Patent Publication No.
H09-318126
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Technical Problem
[0005] The above-described humidity adjustment unit includes
various components, such as passages in which outside air and room
air flow, respectively, fans for sucking the outside air and the
room air into the passages, respectively, an adsorption unit for
adsorbing the moisture in the air, a heat source for recovery of
the adsorption unit, etc., and includes a casing for containing the
components. Thus, the humidity adjustment unit includes a
relatively large number of components. Therefore, the humidity
adjustment unit tends to increase in size.
[0006] In view of the foregoing, the present invention has been
achieved. An object of the invention is to downsize the humidity
adjustment unit as much as possible, and to reduce the whole size
of the air conditioner.
Solution to the Problem
[0007] According to the present invention, an electrical component
unit of a humidity adjustment unit is arranged in a casing of a
temperature adjustment unit.
[0008] Specifically, a first aspect of the invention is directed to
an air conditioner including a humidity adjustment unit (2) for
adjusting air humidity, and a temperature adjustment unit (8) for
adjusting air temperature. The humidity adjustment unit (2)
includes a humidity adjustment casing (20), a humidity adjustment
section (11) for adjusting humidity of air in the humidity
adjustment casing (20), and a humidity adjustment electrical
component unit (19), the temperature adjustment unit (8) includes a
temperature adjustment casing (80) aligned with the humidity
adjustment casing (20), and a temperature adjustment section (91)
which is contained in the temperature adjustment casing (80) to
adjust temperature of air, and the humidity adjustment electrical
component unit (19) includes a radiator (19a) which dissipates
generated heat, and is arranged in an air flow passage in the
temperature adjustment casing (80).
[0009] In the above-described configuration, the humidity
adjustment electrical component unit (19) of the humidity
adjustment unit (2) is arranged in the temperature adjustment
casing (80) of the temperature adjustment unit (8). This can reduce
the number of components arranged in the humidity adjustment casing
(20) of the humidity adjustment unit (2), thereby downsizing the
humidity adjustment unit (2). In general, the temperature
adjustment unit (8) includes a smaller number of components than
the humidity adjustment unit (2). Therefore, even if the humidity
adjustment electrical component unit (19) is arranged in the
temperature adjustment casing (80) of the temperature adjustment
unit (8), the whole size of the air conditioner can be reduced as
compared with the case where the humidity adjustment electrical
component unit (19) is arranged in the humidity adjustment casing
(20).
[0010] In addition, with the humidity adjustment electrical
component unit (19) arranged in the air flow passage in the
temperature adjustment casing (80), the humidity adjustment
electrical component unit (19) can be cooled by the air flowing in
the temperature adjustment casing (80) through the radiator (19a).
This improves efficiency of heat dissipation of the humidity
adjustment electrical component unit (19) as compared with the case
where the humidity adjustment electrical component unit (19) is
arranged in the humidity adjustment casing (20), thereby downsizing
the radiator (19a), and reducing the whole size of the humidity
adjustment electrical component unit (19). This alleviates size
increase of the temperature adjustment unit, even when the humidity
adjustment electrical component unit (19) is arranged in the
temperature adjustment casing (80).
[0011] In a second aspect of the invention related to the first
aspect of the invention, the temperature adjustment section (91)
includes a temperature adjustment heat exchanger (94) for adjusting
the temperature of the air flowing in the air flow passage in the
temperature adjustment casing (80), and the humidity adjustment
electrical component unit (19) is arranged upstream of the
temperature adjustment heat exchanger (94).
[0012] If the humidity adjustment electrical component unit (19) is
arranged downstream of the temperature adjustment heat exchanger
(94), the air heated by the temperature adjustment heat exchanger
(94) cools the humidity adjustment electrical component unit (19)
when the temperature adjustment unit (8) performs heating
operation, thereby decreasing the efficiency. Thus, in the
above-described configuration, the humidity adjustment electrical
component unit (19) is arranged upstream of the temperature
adjustment heat exchanger (94). Therefore, the humidity adjustment
electrical component unit (19) can be cooled by the air which is
not temperature-adjusted yet, thereby efficiently cooling the
humidity adjustment electrical component unit (19) even when the
temperature adjustment unit (8) performs the heating operation.
[0013] In a third aspect of the invention related to the second
aspect of the invention, the temperature adjustment heat exchanger
(94) is obliquely arranged in the air flow passage in the
temperature adjustment casing (80).
[0014] In the above-described configuration, the temperature
adjustment heat exchanger (94) is obliquely arranged relative to
the air flow passage in the temperature adjustment casing (80),
thereby providing the temperature adjustment heat exchanger (94) of
a sufficient area even if the temperature adjustment casing (80)
has been reduced in size. Specifically, the temperature adjustment
casing (80), i.e., the temperature adjustment unit (8), can be
downsized, while providing the sufficient area for the temperature
adjustment heat exchanger (94).
[0015] In a fourth aspect of the invention related to the first
aspect of the invention, the humidity adjustment section (11)
includes a refrigerant circuit (11) performing a refrigeration
cycle, and connecting an adsorption heat exchanger (14, 15) which
carries an adsorbent for adsorbing and desorbing moisture on a
surface thereof, and a temperature adjustment compressor (12) which
compresses a refrigerant, and the temperature adjustment compressor
(12) is arranged in the temperature adjustment casing (80).
[0016] In the above-described configuration, the temperature
adjustment compressor (12) is arranged in the temperature
adjustment casing (80) together with the humidity adjustment
electrical component unit (19). This can further downsize the
humidity adjustment unit (2).
[0017] In a fifth aspect of the invention related to the first
aspect of the invention, the temperature adjustment section (91)
includes a refrigerant circuit (91) performing a refrigeration
cycle, and connecting a temperature adjustment heat exchanger (94)
which adjusts the temperature of the air flowing in the air flow
passage in the temperature adjustment casing (80), and a compressor
(92) which is arranged in an outdoor unit, and compresses a
refrigerant, the humidity adjustment section (11) includes an
adsorption heat exchanger (14, 15) which carries an adsorbent for
adsorbing and desorbing moisture on a surface thereof, and the
adsorption heat exchanger (14, 15) is connected to the refrigerant
circuit (91).
[0018] In the above-described configuration, the temperature
adjustment heat exchanger (94) of the temperature adjustment
section (91) and the adsorption heat exchangers (14, 15) of the
humidity adjustment section (11) are connected to the single
refrigerant circuit (91), and the refrigerant is circulated by
means of the shared compressor (92). Therefore, a compressor
exclusive for the humidity adjustment is no longer necessary, and
space for installation of the temperature adjustment compressor is
not required any more. This can further reduce the humidity
adjustment unit (2) and the temperature adjustment unit (8).
[0019] In a sixth aspect of the invention related to the first
aspect of the invention, the humidity adjustment unit (2) and the
temperature adjustment unit (8) are separately constructed, and are
integrally assembled in assembly of the air conditioner.
[0020] In the above-described configuration, the humidity
adjustment unit (2) and the temperature adjustment unit (8) can
independently be handled before they are assembled. Further, both
of the units can easily be handled by reducing their sizes.
Advantages of the Invention
[0021] According to the present invention, the humidity adjustment
electrical component unit (19) of the humidity adjustment unit (2)
is arranged in the temperature adjustment casing (80) of the
temperature adjustment unit (8), thereby downsizing the humidity
adjustment unit (2). In this case, the efficiency of heat
dissipation of the humidity adjustment electrical component unit
(19) is improved by arranging the humidity adjustment electrical
component unit (19) in the air flow passage in the temperature
adjustment casing (80). This can downsize the radiator (19a) of the
humidity adjustment electrical component unit (19), and can reduce
the whole size of the humidity adjustment electrical component unit
(19), thereby alleviating size increase of the temperature
adjustment unit (8).
[0022] According to the second aspect of the invention, the
humidity adjustment electrical component unit (19) is arranged in
the temperature adjustment casing (80) upstream of the temperature
adjustment heat exchanger (94). Therefore, even when the
temperature adjustment unit (8) performs the heating operation, the
humidity adjustment electrical component unit (19) can efficiently
be cooled.
[0023] According to the third aspect of the invention, the
temperature adjustment heat exchanger (94) is obliquely arranged in
the air flow passage in the temperature adjustment casing (80).
This can downsize the temperature adjustment casing (80), i.e., the
temperature adjustment unit (8), while providing a sufficient area
for the temperature adjustment heat exchanger (94).
[0024] According to the fourth aspect of the invention, the
temperature adjustment compressor (12) is arranged in the
temperature adjustment casing (80) together with the humidity
adjustment electrical component unit (19). This can further
downsize the humidity adjustment unit (2).
[0025] According to the fifth aspect of the invention, the
adsorption heat exchanger (14, 15) of the humidity adjustment
section (11) is connected to the refrigerant circuit (91)
connecting the temperature adjustment heat exchanger (94) and the
compressor (92), and performing a refrigeration cycle. As a result,
the compressor (92) can be shared between the humidity adjustment
unit (2) and the temperature adjustment unit (8), thereby further
downsizing the humidity adjustment unit (2) and the temperature
adjustment unit (8).
[0026] According to the sixth aspect of the invention, the humidity
adjustment unit (2) and the temperature adjustment unit (8) are
separately constructed, and are integrally assembled in assembly of
the air conditioner. Combined with the downsizing of the units,
this allows for easy handling of the units.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0027] FIG. 1 is a specific perspective view of an air conditioner
of a first embodiment.
[0028] FIG. 2 is a schematic view of the air conditioner, in which
FIG. 2(A) is a plan view, FIG. 2(B) is a view observed in a
direction of an arrow B-B in FIG. 2(A), FIG. 2(C) is a view
observed in a direction of an arrow C-C in FIG. 2(A), and FIG. 2(D)
is a view observed in a direction of an arrow D-D in FIG. 2(A).
[0029] FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating the inside of a
humidity adjustment unit.
[0030] FIG. 4 is a perspective view schematically illustrating an
adsorption heat exchanger.
[0031] FIG. 5 is a schematic view illustrating a refrigerant
circuit of the humidity adjustment unit.
[0032] FIG. 6 is a schematic view illustrating a refrigerant
circuit of a temperature adjustment unit.
[0033] FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating air flows in first
operation of dehumidification/ventilation operation and
humidification/ventilation operation of the air conditioner.
[0034] FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating air flows in
second operation of the dehumidification/ventilation operation and
the humidification/ventilation operation of the air
conditioner.
[0035] FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating air flows in first
operation of dehumidification/circulation operation and
humidification/circulation of the air conditioner.
[0036] FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating air flows in
second operation of the dehumidification/circulation operation and
the humidification/circulation operation of the air
conditioner.
[0037] FIG. 11 is a diagram of a refrigerant circuit schematically
illustrating an air conditioner of a second embodiment, and
cooling/dehumidification operation.
[0038] FIG. 12 is a diagram of the refrigerant circuit
schematically illustrating the air conditioner, and
heating/humidification operation.
DESCRIPTION OF REFERENCE CHARACTERS
[0039] 1 Air conditioner [0040] 2 Humidity adjustment unit [0041]
11 Humidity adjustment refrigerant circuit (Humidity adjustment
section) [0042] 12 Temperature adjustment compressor [0043] 14
First adsorption heat exchanger (adsorption heat exchanger) [0044]
15 Second adsorption heat exchanger (adsorption heat exchanger)
[0045] 19 Humidity adjustment electrical component unit [0046] 19a
Radiator fin (radiator) [0047] 20 Humidity adjustment casing [0048]
8 Temperature adjustment unit [0049] 80 Temperature adjustment
casing [0050] 91 Temperature adjustment refrigerant circuit
(temperature adjustment section) [0051] 94 Temperature adjustment
heat exchanger
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0052] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in
detail with reference to the drawings.
First Embodiment of the Invention
[0053] An air conditioner (1) of a first embodiment of the
invention supplies temperature-adjusted air and humidity-adjusted
air to the inside of a room. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the air
conditioner (1) includes a humidity adjustment unit (2) for
adjusting air humidity, a temperature adjustment unit (8) for
adjusting air temperature, and an outdoor unit as a heat source
unit (not shown).
[0054] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the humidity adjustment unit (2)
includes a humidity adjustment casing (20) which is substantially
in the shape of a vertically oriented, rectangular parallelepiped,
with an upper portion thereof partially protruded in the lateral
direction. In the perspective view of FIG. 3 (and in the other
perspective views), an upper portion of the humidity adjustment
casing (20) and the other portion are divided for the sake of
convenience. The humidity adjustment casing (20) includes a
box-shaped casing body (21) with only a front side thereof opened,
and a front panel (22) detachably attached to the opening front
side of the casing body (21).
[0055] The casing body (21) includes a top plate (23) on an upper
end thereof, and a bottom plate (24) on a lower end thereof. The
casing body (21) includes a right plate (25) on a right end
thereof, and a left plate (26) on a left end thereof. The left
plate (26) includes a lower plate (26a) arranged in a lower
position, an upper plate (26b) positioned above the lower plate
(26a) and on the left of the lower plate (26a), and a center
horizontal plate (26c) connecting an upper end of the lower plate
(26a) and a lower end of the upper plate (26b). Thus, the left
plate (26) protrudes leftward in an upper portion thereof. Further,
the casing body (21) includes a rear plate (27) on a rear end
thereof.
[0056] Three duct connection ports (31, 32, 33) are formed in the
top plate (23). Specifically, the three duct connection ports (31,
32, 33) are an outside air inlet port (31) arranged in a rear right
portion of the top plate (23), a room air inlet port (32) arranged
in a rear center portion of the top plate (23), and an outward
discharge port (33) arranged in a front center portion of the top
plate (23).
[0057] Ducts through which the air can flow are connected to the
three duct connection ports (31, 32, 33), respectively (see FIG.
1). The outside air inlet port (31) and the outward discharge port
(33) communicate with the outside of the room through the ducts,
and the room air inlet port (32) communicates with the inside of
the room through the duct. The outside air inlet port (31)
constitutes an opening for introducing outside air (OA) in the
humidity adjustment casing (20), and the room air inlet port (32)
constitutes an opening for introducing room air (RA) in the
humidity adjustment casing (20). The outward discharge port (33)
constitutes an opening for discharging the air in the humidity
adjustment casing (20) outside the room as exhaust air (EA).
[0058] A humidity adjustment supply port (34a) is formed in the
upper plate (26b) of the left plate (26). As described later in
detail, the humidity adjustment supply port (34a) communicates with
the temperature adjustment unit (8). The humidity adjustment supply
port (34a) constitutes an opening for supplying the air in the
humidity adjustment casing (20) as humidity-adjusted air to the
temperature adjustment unit (8).
[0059] The front panel (22) is detachably attached to the casing
body (21) to cover the opening front side of the casing body (21).
The front panel (22) includes a control switch (not shown) for
allowing a user, etc., to switch the operation of the air
conditioner (1).
[0060] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, with the front panel (22)
attached to the casing body (21), a substantially rectangular
parallelepiped room is formed in the humidity adjustment casing
(20). An upper divider plate (40) is arranged in an upper portion
of the room in the humidity adjustment casing (20). The upper
divider plate (40) is in the shape of a rectangular plate, and is
horizontally supported by the humidity adjustment casing (20). A
left end of the upper divider plate (40) is coupled to a right end
of the center horizontal plate (26c).
[0061] The upper divider plate (40) divides the room inside the
humidity adjustment casing (20) into an upper room and a lower
room, as separately shown in FIG. 3.
[0062] The upper room formed between the upper divider plate (40)
and the top plate (23) is in the shape of a flat, rectangular
parallelepiped. The upper room contains a right-left divider plate
(41). The right-left divider plate (41) is substantially
rectangular-shaped, and is supported by the humidity adjustment
casing (20) in such a manner that surfaces thereof extend in the
vertical direction (lines normal to the surfaces are extending in
the horizontal direction), and long sides thereof extend in the
front-back direction. The right-left divider plate (41) is arranged
at the same position as a left divider plate (45) described later
in the lateral direction. The right-left divider plate (41) divides
the upper room into two laterally aligned rooms of an upper right
room on the right of the divider plate, and an upper left room on
the left of the divider plate.
[0063] A vertically extending first passage providing plate (42),
which is substantially L-shaped when viewed in section, is arranged
at a rear right corner of the upper right room. The first passage
providing plate (42) is coupled to the right plate (25) and the
rear plate (27). An upper end of the first passage providing plate
(42) is coupled to the top plate (23), and a lower end is coupled
to the upper divider plate (40). In this way, the first passage
providing plate (42) provides an outside air inlet passage (51)
which is square-shaped when viewed in section at the rear right
corner of the upper right room in cooperation with the right plate
(25) and the rear plate (27). Further, the first passage providing
plate (42) provides, in the other portion of the upper right room,
an outward discharge passage (53) which is L-shaped when viewed in
section in cooperation with the right plate (25), the rear plate
(27), the right-left divider plate (41), and the front panel
(22).
[0064] The outside air inlet port (31) is formed in the top plate
(23) to face the outside air inlet passage (51), and a first
communication port (61) is formed in the upper divider plate (40)
to face the outside air inlet passage (51). The outward discharge
port (33) is formed in the top plate (23) to face the outward
discharge passage (53), and a third communication port (63) is
formed in the upper divider plate (40) to face the outward
discharge passage (53). The outward discharge port (33) is formed
in the top plate (23) on the left of the outside air inlet port
(31), and is in the shape of a rectangle extending in the
front-back direction. The third communication port (63) is formed
in the upper divider plate (40) forward of the first communication
port (61).
[0065] A vertically extending second passage providing plate (43),
which is substantially L-shaped when viewed in section, is arranged
at a rear right corner of the upper left room. The second passage
providing plate (43) is coupled to the right-left divider plate
(41) and the rear plate (27). An upper end of the second passage
providing plate (43) is coupled to the top plate (23), and a lower
end is coupled to the upper divider plate (40). In this way, the
second passage providing plate (43) provides a room air inlet
passage (52) which is square-shaped when viewed in section at the
right rear corner of the upper left room in cooperation with the
right-left divider plate (41) and the rear plate (27). The second
passage providing plate (43) provides, in the other portion of the
upper left room, an inward supply passage (54) which is L-shaped
when viewed in section in cooperation with the right-left divider
plate (41), the rear plate (27), the left plate (26) (i.e., the
upper plate (26b) and the center horizontal plate (26c)), and the
front panel (22).
[0066] The room air inlet port (32) is formed in the top plate (23)
to face the room air inlet passage (52), and a second communication
port (62) is formed in the upper divider plate (40) to face the
room air inlet passage (52). The humidity adjustment supply port
(34a) is formed in the upper plate (26b) of the left plate (26) to
face the inward supply passage (54), and a fourth communication
port (64) is formed in the upper divider plate (40) to face the
inward supply passage (54). The fourth communication port (64) is
formed in the upper divider plate (40) forward of the second
communication port (62).
[0067] In this way, the outside air inlet port (31) communicates
with the first communication port (61) through the outside air
inlet passage (51), and the room air inlet port (32) communicates
with the second communication port (62) through the room air inlet
passage (52). The outward discharge port (33) communicates with the
third communication port (63) through the outward discharge passage
(53), and the humidity adjustment supply port (34a) communicates
with the fourth communication port (64) through the inward supply
passage (54).
[0068] The outside air inlet passage (51) contains an outside air
filter (36), and the room air inlet passage (52) contains a room
air filter (37). Each of the filters (36, 37) is in the shape of a
plate or a sheet, and is kept in a horizontal position to cover
every part of a lateral cross section of the corresponding inlet
passage (51, 52). The filters (36, 37) are arranged to be able to
move back and forth in the corresponding inlet passages (51, 52),
and are detachable from the corresponding inlet passages (51,
52).
[0069] The outward discharge passage (53) contains a discharge fan
(29), and the inward supply passage (54) contains a supply fan (30)
(see FIG. 2). The fans (29, 30) are centrifugal multi-blade fans
(so-called sirocco fans). In the perspective view of FIG. 16 (and
in the other perspective views), the fans (29, 30) are not shown.
The discharge fan (29) blows the air introduced through the outward
discharge passage (53) toward the outward discharge port (33). The
supply fan (30) blows the air introduced through the inward supply
passage (54) toward the humidity adjustment supply port (34a).
[0070] The lower room formed between the upper divider plate (40)
and the bottom plate (24) is substantially in the shape of a
rectangular parallelepiped. The room contains a right divider plate
(44) and a left divider plate (45). The right divider plate (44)
and the left divider plate (45) vertically extend from the bottom
plate (24) to the upper divider plate (40), and are supported by
the humidity adjustment casing (20) to be parallel to the right and
left plates (25, 26) of the humidity adjustment casing (20). The
right divider plate (44) and the left divider plate (45) divide the
lower room between the bottom plate (24) and the upper divider
plate (40) into three rooms.
[0071] A right room in the three rooms is divided by a first
front-back divider plate (46) into two rooms aligned in the
front-back direction. A left room in the three rooms is divided by
a second front-back divider plate (47) into two rooms aligned in
the front-back direction. The room behind the first front-back
divider plate (46) constitutes a first intermediate passage (55),
and the room behind the second front-back divider plate (47)
constitutes a second intermediate passage (56). The room in front
of the first front-back divider plate (46) constitutes a third
intermediate passage (57), and the room in front of the second
front-back divider plate (47) constitutes a fourth intermediate
passage (58).
[0072] An upper end of the first intermediate passage (55)
communicates with the first communication port (61), and an upper
end of the second intermediate passage (56) communicates with the
second communication port (62), an upper end of the third
intermediate passage (57) communicates with the third communication
port (63), and an upper end of the fourth intermediate passage (58)
communicates with the fourth communication port (64). Lower ends of
the intermediate passages (55, 56, 57, 58) are closed by the bottom
plate (24).
[0073] A center room in the three rooms is divided by the right and
left divider plates (44, 45) into two rooms aligned in the vertical
direction by an upper-lower divider plate (48). An upper room of
the two rooms constitutes a first humidity adjustment chamber (65),
and a lower room constitutes a second humidity adjustment chamber
(66). Specifically, the first humidity adjustment chamber (65) and
the second humidity adjustment chamber (66) are aligned in the
vertical direction to be adjacent to each other with the
upper-lower divider plate (48) interposed therebetween.
[0074] The first humidity adjustment chamber (65) contains a first
adsorption heat exchanger (14), and the second humidity adjustment
chamber (66) contains a second adsorption heat exchanger (15). The
first adsorption heat exchanger (14) and the second adsorption heat
exchanger (15) are connected in series to a humidity adjustment
refrigerant circuit (11) described in detail later.
[0075] As shown in FIG. 4, the adsorption heat exchangers (14, 15)
are cross-fin type fin-and-tube heat exchangers, respectively. Each
of the adsorption heat exchangers (14, 15) includes copper heat
transfer tubes (16), and aluminum fins (17). Each of the fins (17)
of the adsorption heat exchangers (14, 15) is in the shape of a
rectangular plate, and they are arranged at regular intervals. The
heat transfer tubes (16) extend in the direction of alignment of
the fins (17) in serpentine form. That is, the heat transfer tube
(16) includes straight parts penetrating the fins (17), and
U-shaped parts connecting the adjacent straight parts, and they are
alternately connected.
[0076] In each of the adsorption heat exchangers (14, 15), an
adsorbent is carried on the surfaces of the fins (17), and the air
passing through the fins (17) comes into contact with the adsorbent
carried on the fins (17). The adsorbent may be a material capable
of adsorbing vapor in the air, such as zeolite, silica gel,
activated carbon, an organic polymer material having a hydrophilic
functional group, etc.
[0077] Each of the adsorption heat exchangers (14, 15) is
vertically arranged in the corresponding humidity adjustment
chamber (65, 66). Specifically, each of the adsorption heat
exchangers (14, 15) is supported in the corresponding humidity
adjustment chamber (65, 66) in such a manner that the fins (17) are
parallel to the right divider plate (44) and the left divider plate
(45), and the longitudinal direction of the fins (17) corresponds
to the vertical direction.
[0078] Each of the adsorption heat exchangers (14, 15) may be
arranged obliquely in the corresponding humidity adjustment chamber
(65, 66). Specifically, each of the adsorption heat exchangers (14,
15) are supported in the corresponding humidity adjustment chamber
(65, 66) in such a manner that the fins (17) are parallel to the
right divider plate (44) and the left divider plate (45), and upper
ends of the fins (17) are inclined forward or rearward relative to
the perpendicular direction. Thus, the length of the fins (17) of
the adsorption heat exchangers (14, 15) can be increased in the
longitudinal direction, thereby increasing an area of the
adsorption heat exchangers (14, 15) passed by the air. This
increases efficiency in contact between the adsorbent and the
air.
[0079] Each of the right divider plate (44) and the left divider
plate (45) is provided with four flow ports through which the air
enters or exits. Specifically, a first flow port (71) is formed in
an upper rear portion of the right divider plate (44), and a second
flow port (72) is formed in an upper front portion of the right
divider plate (44). A fifth flow port (75) is formed in a lower
rear portion of the right divider plate (44), and a sixth flow port
(76) is formed in a lower front portion of the right divider plate
(44). A third flow port (73) is formed in an upper rear portion of
the left divider plate (45), and a fourth flow port (74) is formed
in an upper front portion of the left divider plate (45). A seventh
flow port (77) is formed in a lower rear portion of the left
divider plate (45), and an eighth flow port (78) is formed in a
lower front portion of the second divider plate (45).
[0080] The first flow port (71) allows the first intermediate
passage (55) and the first humidity adjustment chamber (65) to
communicate with each other. The second flow port (72) allows the
third intermediate passage (57) and the first humidity adjustment
chamber (65) to communicate with each other. The third flow port
(73) allows the second intermediate passage (56) and the first
humidity adjustment chamber (65) to communicate with each other.
The fourth flow port (74) allows the fourth intermediate passage
(58) and the first humidity adjustment chamber (65) to communicate
with each other. The fifth flow port (75) allows the first
intermediate passage (55) and the second humidity adjustment
chamber (66) to communicate with each other. The sixth flow port
(76) allows the third intermediate passage (57) and the second
humidity adjustment chamber (66) to communicate with each other.
The seventh flow port (77) allows the second intermediate passage
(56) and the second humidity adjustment chamber (66) to communicate
with each other. The eighth flow port (78) allows the fourth
intermediate passage (58) and the second humidity adjustment
chamber (66) to communicate with each other.
[0081] Each of the right divider plate (44) and the left divider
plate (45) includes four dampers for opening/closing the
corresponding flow ports. Specifically, the right divider plate
(44) and the left divider plate (45) constitute damper carrying
divider plates including a plurality of dampers, respectively.
Specifically, the right divider plate (44) includes a first damper
(D1) for opening/closing the first flow port (71), a second damper
(D2) for opening/closing the second flow port (72), a third damper
(D3) for opening/closing the third flow port (73), and a fourth
damper (D4) for opening/closing the fourth flow port (74). The left
divider plate (45) includes a fifth damper (D5) for opening/closing
the fifth flow port (75), a sixth damper (D6) for opening/closing
the sixth flow port (76), a seventh damper (D7) for opening/closing
the seventh flow port (77), and an eighth damper (D8) for
opening/closing the eighth flow port (78).
[0082] Each of the dampers (D1-D8) includes, for example, two
shutters, and a motor for supporting the shutters by a horizontal
axis thereof, and rotating the shutters about the horizontal axis.
Specifically, each of the dampers (D1-D8) closes the corresponding
flow port (71-78) when the two shutters are shifted to the
perpendicular position by the rotation of the motor, and opens the
corresponding flow port (71-78) when the two shutters are shifted
to the horizontal position by the rotation of the motor.
<Structure of Refrigerant Circuit>
[0083] A humidity adjustment refrigerant circuit (11) mounted in
the humidity adjustment unit (2) will be described with reference
to FIG. 5.
[0084] The humidity adjustment refrigerant circuit (11) is a closed
circuit including the first adsorption heat exchanger (14), the
second adsorption heat exchanger (15), a temperature adjustment
compressor (12), a four-way switching valve (13), and a
motor-operated expansion valve (18). The humidity adjustment
refrigerant circuit (11) performs a vapor compression refrigeration
cycle by circulating a refrigerant filled therein. The humidity
adjustment refrigerant circuit (11) including the first and second
adsorption heat exchangers (14, 15) constitutes a humidity
adjustment section. The temperature adjustment compressor (12) is
constituted of, for example, a scroll type or a rotary type
compressor, etc.
[0085] In the humidity adjustment refrigerant circuit (11), a
discharge side of the temperature adjustment compressor (12) is
connected to a first port of the four-way switching valve (13), and
a suction side of the temperature adjustment compressor (12) is
connected to a second port of the four-way switching valve (13). An
end of the first adsorption heat exchanger (14) is connected to a
third port of the four-way switching valve (13). The other end of
the first adsorption heat exchanger (14) is connected to an end of
the second adsorption heat exchanger (15) through the
motor-operated expansion valve (18). The other end of the second
adsorption heat exchanger (15) is connected to a fourth port of the
four-way switching valve (13).
[0086] The four-way switching valve (13) is configured to be able
to switch between a first state where the first and fourth ports
communicate with each other, and the second and third ports
communicate with each other (a state shown in FIG. 5(A)), and a
second state where the first and third ports communicate with each
other, and the second and fourth ports communicate with each other
(a state shown in FIG. 5(B)).
[0087] In the humidity adjustment refrigerant circuit (11), a high
pressure gaseous refrigerant is supplied as a heating medium to one
of the two adsorption heat exchangers (14, 15) serving as a
condenser (a radiator), and a low pressure gas-liquid two-phase
refrigerant is supplied as a cooling medium to the other adsorption
heat exchanger (14, 15) serving as an evaporator.
[0088] The temperature adjustment compressor (12) and the four-way
switching valve (13) are arranged in a temperature adjustment
casing (80) of a temperature adjustment unit (8) described
later.
[0089] A humidity adjustment electrical component unit (hereinafter
merely referred to as an "electrical component unit") (19)
containing electrical components for operating the temperature
adjustment compressor (12), the dampers (D1-D8), and the fans (29,
30) is also arranged in the temperature adjustment casing (80) of
the temperature adjustment unit (8).
[0090] The temperature adjustment unit (8) will be described
below.
[0091] The temperature adjustment unit (8) includes a temperature
adjustment casing (80) substantially in the shape of a vertically
oriented rectangular parallelepiped. The temperature adjustment
casing (80) includes a box-shaped casing body (81) with only a
front side thereof opened, and a front panel (82) detachably
attached to the opening front side of the casing body (81).
[0092] The casing body (81) includes a top plate (83) on an upper
end thereof, and a bottom plate (84) on a lower end thereof. The
casing body (81) includes a right plate (85) on a right end
thereof, and a left plate (86) on a left end thereof. Further, the
casing body (81) includes a rear plate (87) on a rear end
thereof.
[0093] The right plate (85) includes a lower plate (85a) arranged
in a lower position, an upper plate (85b) positioned above the
lower plate (85a) and on the left of the lower plate (85a), and a
center horizontal plate (85c) connecting an upper end of the lower
plate (85a) and a lower end of the upper plate (85b). Thus, the
right plate (85) protrudes leftward in an upper portion thereof.
The right plate (85) is in the same shape as the left plate (26) of
the humidity adjustment casing (20). Specifically, the temperature
adjustment unit (8) and the humidity adjustment unit (2) are
configured to be adjacent to each other with the right plate (85)
and the left plate (26) in contact with each other.
[0094] A temperature adjustment room air inlet port (88) is formed
in the top plate (83). A duct which communicates with the inside of
the room, and through which the air can flow, is connected to the
temperature adjustment room air inlet port (88) (see FIG. 1). A
temperature adjustment supply port (34b) communicating with the
humidity adjustment supply port (34a) formed in the left plate (26)
of the humidity adjustment casing (20) is formed in the upper plate
(85b) of the right plate (85). Further, an inward supply port (89)
is formed in a lower portion of the left plate (86). A duct which
communicates with the inside of the room, and through which the air
can flow, is connected to the inward supply port (89) (see FIG. 1).
The inward supply port (89) constitutes an opening for supplying
the air in the temperature adjustment casing (80) to the inside of
the room as dehumidified, temperature-adjusted air (SA).
[0095] A supply fan (90) is arranged in the temperature adjustment
casing (80) near the inward supply port (89) (see FIG. 2). The
supply fan (90) is a centrifugal multi-blade fan (a so-called
sirocco fan). The supply fan (90) blows the air introduced through
the temperature adjustment room air inlet port (88) and the
humidity adjustment supply port (34a) toward the inward supply port
(89). Specifically, the air enters the temperature adjustment
casing (80) through the temperature adjustment room air inlet port
(88) and the humidity adjustment supply port (34a), and the entered
air flows downward in the temperature adjustment casing (80), and
is supplied to the inside of the room through the inward supply
port (89).
[0096] The temperature adjustment casing (80) configured as
described above contains a temperature adjustment heat exchanger
(94).
[0097] The temperature adjustment heat exchanger (94) is a
cross-fin type fin-and-tube heat exchanger, like the adsorption
heat exchangers (14, 15). The temperature adjustment heat exchanger
(94) does not carry the adsorbent on the surfaces of the fins,
unlike the adsorption heat exchangers (14, 15).
[0098] The temperature adjustment heat exchanger (94) is obliquely
arranged in the temperature adjustment casing (80). Specifically,
the temperature adjustment heat exchanger (94) is arranged in such
a manner that an upper end thereof is close to an upper portion of
the left plate (86) of the temperature adjustment casing (80), and
a lower end thereof is close to the lower plate (85a) of the right
plate (85). Specifically, the temperature adjustment heat exchanger
(94) is arranged obliquely relative to the direction of air flow in
the temperature adjustment casing (80).
[0099] As shown in FIG. 6, the temperature adjustment heat
exchanger (94) is connected to a temperature adjustment refrigerant
circuit (91).
[0100] The temperature adjustment refrigerant circuit (91) is a
closed circuit including the temperature adjustment heat exchanger
(94), an outdoor heat exchanger (95) which is a heat source heat
exchanger, a temperature adjustment compressor (92), a four-way
switching valve (93), and a motor-operated expansion valve (98).
The temperature adjustment refrigerant circuit (91) performs a
vapor compression refrigeration cycle by circulating a refrigerant
filled therein. The temperature adjustment refrigerant circuit (91)
including the temperature adjustment heat exchanger (94)
constitutes a temperature adjustment section.
[0101] In the temperature adjustment refrigerant circuit (91), a
discharge side of the temperature adjustment compressor (92) is
connected to a first port of the four-way switching valve (93), and
a suction side of the temperature adjustment compressor (92) is
connected to a second port of the four-way switching valve (93). An
end of the temperature adjustment heat exchanger (94) of the
temperature adjustment refrigerant circuit (91) is connected to a
third port of the four-way switching valve (93), and the other end
of the temperature adjustment heat exchanger (94) is connected to
an end of the outdoor heat exchanger (95) through the
motor-operated expansion valve (98). The other end of the outdoor
heat exchanger (95) is connected to a fourth port of the four-way
switching valve (93).
[0102] The four-way switching valve (93) is configured to be able
to switch between a first state where the first and fourth ports
communicate with each other, and the second and third ports
communicate with each other (a state shown in FIG. 6(A)), and a
second state where the first and third ports communicate with each
other, and the second and fourth ports communicate with each other
(a state shown in FIG. 6(B)).
[0103] In the temperature adjustment refrigerant circuit (91), by
switching the four-way switching valve (93), a low pressure
gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant is supplied to the temperature
adjustment heat exchanger (94) to operate the temperature
adjustment heat exchanger (94) as an evaporator, thereby performing
cooling operation, and a high pressure gaseous refrigerant is
supplied to the temperature adjustment heat exchanger (94) to
operate the temperature adjustment heat exchanger (94) as a
condenser, thereby performing heating operation. In this way,
temperature of the air passing around the temperature adjustment
heat exchanger (94) is adjusted.
[0104] The four-way switching valve (93), the temperature
adjustment compressor (92), and the outdoor heat exchanger (95) of
the temperature adjustment refrigerant circuit (91) are contained
in an outdoor unit (not shown).
-Operation Mechanism-
[0105] The air conditioner (1) described above selectively performs
"dehumidification/ventilation operation,"
"humidification/ventilation operation,"
"dehumidification/circulation operation," and
"humidification/circulation operation." In the
"dehumidification/ventilation operation" and the
"humidification/ventilation operation," admitted outside air (OA)
is humidity-adjusted, and is supplied to the inside of the room as
supply air (SA), and simultaneously, admitted room air (RA) is
discharged outside the room as exhaust air (EA). In the
"dehumidification/circulation operation" and the
"humidification/circulation operation," the admitted room air(RA)
is humidity-adjusted, and is supplied to the inside of the room as
the supply air (SA), and simultaneously, admitted outside air (OA)
is discharged outside the room as exhaust air (EA).
[0106] In addition to the above-described operations, the air
conditioner (1) selectively performs "cooling operation" and
"heating operation."
[0107] The dehumidification and humidification operations of the
humidity adjustment unit (2) will be described first, and then the
cooling and heating operations of the temperature adjustment unit
(8) will be described.
<Dehumidification/Ventilation Operation>
[0108] In the air conditioner (1) performing the
dehumidification/ventilation operation, first operation and second
operation described later are alternately performed at
predetermined time intervals (e.g., every three minutes).
[0109] When the supply fan (30) of the air conditioner (1) is
operated during the dehumidification/ventilation operation, the
outside air enters the humidity adjustment casing (20) through the
outside air inlet port (31) as first air. When the discharge fan
(29) is operated, the room air enters the humidity adjustment
casing (20) through the room air inlet port (32) as second air.
[0110] The first operation of the dehumidification/ventilation
operation will be described below. As shown in FIG. 7, in the first
operation, the first flow port (71), the fourth flow port (74), the
sixth flow port (76), and the seventh flow port (77) are opened,
and the second flow port (72), the third flow port (73), the fifth
flow port (75), and the eighth flow port (78) are closed by
switching the first to eighth dampers (D1-D8).
[0111] In the first operation, the four-way switching valve (13) in
the refrigerant circuit (11) is set to the first state as shown in
FIG. 5(A). In this state, the refrigerant in the refrigerant
circuit (11) circulates to perform a refrigeration cycle. In this
case, in the refrigerant circuit (11), the refrigerant discharged
from the temperature adjustment compressor (12) sequentially passes
through the second adsorption heat exchanger (15), the
motor-operated expansion valve (18), and the first adsorption heat
exchanger (14). The second adsorption heat exchanger (15) functions
as a condenser, and the first adsorption heat exchanger (14)
functions as an evaporator.
[0112] As shown in FIG. 7, the first air that entered the outside
air inlet passage (51) through the outside air inlet port (31)
passes through the outside air filter (36). The outside air filter
(36) traps dust contained in the first air. The first air that
passed through the outside air filter (36) sequentially flows
through the first communication port (61) and the first
intermediate passage (55), and enters the first humidity adjustment
chamber (65) through the first flow port (71). The first air flows
forward, and passes through the first adsorption heat exchanger
(14). In the first adsorption heat exchanger (14), moisture in the
first air is adsorbed by the adsorbent, and heat generated by the
adsorption is absorbed by the refrigerant. The first air
dehumidified by the first adsorption heat exchanger (14) enters the
fourth intermediate passage (58) through the fourth flow port (74).
The first air sequentially flows through the fourth communication
port (64) and the inward supply passage (54), and enters the
temperature adjustment unit (8) through the humidity adjustment
supply port (34a) and the temperature adjustment supply port
(34b).
[0113] The second air that entered the room air inlet passage (52)
through the room air inlet port (32) passes through the room air
filter (37). The room air filter (37) traps dust contained in the
second air. The second air that passed through the room air filter
(37) sequentially flows through the second communication port (62)
and the second intermediate passage (56), and enters the second
humidity adjustment chamber (66) through the seventh flow port
(77). The second air flows forward, and passes through the second
adsorption heat exchanger (15). In the second adsorption heat
exchanger (15), moisture is desorbed from the adsorbent heated by
the refrigerant, and the desorbed moisture is given to the second
air. The second air used for the recovery of the adsorbent of the
second adsorption heat exchanger (15) flows into the third
intermediate passage (57) through the sixth flow port (76). The
second air sequentially flows through the third communication port
(63) and the outward discharge passage (53), enters the duct
through the outward discharge port (33), and is discharged outside
the room.
[0114] The second operation of the dehumidification/ventilation
operation will be described below. As shown in FIG. 8, in the
second operation, the second flow port (72), the third flow port
(73), the fifth flow port (75), and the eighth flow port (78) are
opened, and the first flow port (71), the fourth flow port (74),
the sixth flow port (76), and the seventh flow port (77) are closed
by switching the first to eighth dampers (D1-D8).
[0115] In the second operation, the four-way switching valve (13)
of the refrigerant circuit (11) is set to the second state as shown
in FIG. 5(B). In this state, the refrigerant in the refrigerant
circuit (11) circulates to perform a refrigeration cycle. In this
case, in the refrigerant circuit (11), the refrigerant discharged
from the temperature adjustment compressor (12) sequentially passes
through the first adsorption heat exchanger (14), the
motor-operated expansion valve (18), and the second adsorption heat
exchanger (15). The first adsorption heat exchanger (14) functions
as the condenser, and the second adsorption heat exchanger (15)
functions as the evaporator.
[0116] As shown in FIG. 8, the first air that entered the outside
air inlet passage (51) through the outside air inlet port (31)
passes through the outside air filter (36). The outside air filter
(36) traps dust contained in the first air. The first air that
passed through the outside air filter (36) sequentially flows
through the first communication port (61) and the first
intermediate passage (55), and enters the second humidity
adjustment chamber (66) through the fifth flow port (75). The first
air flows forward, and passes through the second adsorption heat
exchanger (15). In the second adsorption heat exchanger (15),
moisture in the first air is adsorbed by the adsorbent, and heat
generated by the adsorption is absorbed by the refrigerant. The
first air dehumidified by the second adsorption heat exchanger (15)
flows into the fourth intermediate passage (58) through the eighth
flow port (78). The first air sequentially flows through the fourth
communication port (64) and the inward supply passage (54), and
enters the temperature adjustment unit (8) through the humidity
adjustment supply port (34a) and the temperature adjustment supply
port (34b).
[0117] The second air that entered the room air inlet passage (52)
through the room air inlet port (32) passes through the room air
filter (37). The room air filter (37) traps dust contained in the
second air. The second air that passed through the room air filter
(37) sequentially flows through the second communication port (62)
and the second intermediate passage (56), and enters the first
humidity adjustment chamber (65) through the third flow port (73).
The second air flows forward, and passes through the first
adsorption heat exchanger (14). In the first adsorption heat
exchanger (14), moisture is desorbed from the adsorbent heated by
the refrigerant, and the desorbed moisture is given to the second
air. The second air used for the recovery of the adsorbent of the
first adsorption heat exchanger (14) flows into the third
intermediate passage (57) through the second flow port (72). The
second air sequentially flows through the third communication port
(63) and the outward discharge passage (53), enters the duct
through the outward discharge port (33), and is discharged outside
the room.
<Humidification/Ventilation Operation>
[0118] In the air conditioner (1) performing the
humidification/ventilation operation, first operation and second
operation described later are alternately performed at
predetermined time intervals (e.g., every three minutes).
[0119] When the supply fan (30) of the air conditioner (1) is
operated during the humidification/ventilation operation, the
outside air enters the humidity adjustment casing (20) through the
outside air inlet port (31) as first air. When the discharge fan
(29) is operated, the room air enters the humidity adjustment
casing (20) through the room air inlet port (32) as second air.
[0120] In the first operation of the humidification/ventilation
operation, as shown in FIG. 7, the first flow port (71), the fourth
flow port (74), the sixth flow port (76), and the seventh flow port
(77) are opened, and the second flow port (72), the third flow port
(73), the fifth flow port (75), and the eighth flow port (78) are
closed. The refrigerant circuit (11) enters the state shown in FIG.
5(B), in which the first adsorption heat exchanger (14) functions
as a condenser, and the second adsorption heat exchanger (15)
functions as an evaporator.
[0121] As shown in FIG. 7, the first air that entered the outside
air inlet passage (51) through the outside air inlet port (31)
sequentially flows through the outside air filter (36), the first
communication port (61), the first intermediate passage (55), and
the first flow port (71) to enter the first humidity adjustment
chamber (65), and passes through the first adsorption heat
exchanger (14). In the first adsorption heat exchanger (14),
moisture is desorbed from the adsorbent heated by the refrigerant,
and the desorbed moisture is given to the first air. The first air
humidified by the first adsorption heat exchanger (14) sequentially
flows through the fourth flow port (74), the fourth intermediate
passage (58), the fourth communication port (64), and the inward
supply passage (54), and enters the temperature adjustment unit (8)
through the humidity adjustment supply port (34a) and the
temperature adjustment supply port (34b).
[0122] The second air that entered the room air inlet passage (52)
through the room air inlet port (32) sequentially flows through the
room air filter (37), the second communication port (62), the
second intermediate passage (56), and the seventh flow port (77) to
enter the second humidity adjustment chamber (66), and passes
through the second adsorption heat exchanger (15). In the second
adsorption heat exchanger (15), moisture in the second air is
adsorbed by the adsorbent, and heat generated by the adsorption is
absorbed by the refrigerant. The second air that gave the moisture
to the adsorbent of the second adsorption heat exchanger (15)
sequentially flows through the sixth flow port (76), the third
intermediate passage (57), the third communication port (63), and
the outward discharge passage (53), enters the duct through the
outward discharge port (33), and is discharged outside the
room.
[0123] In the second operation of the humidification/ventilation
operation, as shown in FIG. 8, the second flow port (72), the third
flow port (73), the fifth flow port (75), and the eighth flow port
(78) are opened, and the first flow port (71), the fourth flow port
(74), the sixth flow port (76), and the seventh flow port (77) are
closed. The refrigerant circuit (11) enters the state shown in FIG.
5(A), in which the second adsorption heat exchanger (15) functions
as a condenser, and the first adsorption heat exchanger (14)
functions as an evaporator.
[0124] As shown in FIG. 8, the first air that entered the outside
air inlet passage (51) through the outside air inlet port (31)
sequentially flows through the outside air filter (36), the first
communication port (61), the first intermediate passage (55), and
the fifth flow port (75) to enter the second humidity adjustment
chamber (66), and passes through the second adsorption heat
exchanger (15). In the second adsorption heat exchanger (15),
moisture is desorbed from the adsorbent heated by the refrigerant,
and the desorbed moisture is given to the first air. The first air
humidified by the second adsorption heat exchanger (15)
sequentially flows through the eighth flow port (78), the fourth
intermediate passage (58), the fourth communication port (64), and
the inward supply passage (54), and enters the temperature
adjustment unit (8) through the humidity adjustment supply port
(34a) and the temperature adjustment supply port (34b).
[0125] The second air that entered the room air inlet passage (52)
through the room air inlet port (32) sequentially flows through the
room air filter (37), the second communication port (62), the
second intermediate passage (56), and the third flow port (73) to
enter the first humidity adjustment chamber (65), and passes
through the first adsorption heat exchanger (14). In the first
adsorption heat exchanger (14), moisture in the second air is
adsorbed by the adsorbent, and heat generated by the adsorption is
absorbed by the refrigerant. The second air that gave the moisture
to the adsorbent of the first adsorption heat exchanger (14)
sequentially flows through the second flow port (72), the third
intermediate passage (57), the third communication port (63), and
the outward discharge passage (53), enters the duct through the
outward discharge port (33), and is discharged outside the
room.
<Dehumidification/Circulation Operation>
[0126] In the air conditioner (1) performing the
dehumidification/circulation operation, first operation and second
operation described later are alternately performed at
predetermined time intervals (e.g., every three minutes).
[0127] When the supply fan (30) of the air conditioner (1) is
operated during the dehumidification/circulation operation, the
room air enters the humidity adjustment casing (20) through the
room air inlet port (32) as first air. When the discharge fan (29)
is operated, the outside air enters the humidity adjustment casing
(20) through the outside air inlet port (31) as second air.
[0128] In the first operation of the dehumidification/circulation
operation, as shown in FIG. 9, the third flow port (73), the fourth
flow port (74), the fifth flow port (75), and the sixth flow port
(76) are opened, and the first flow port (71), the second flow port
(72), the seventh flow port (77), and the eighth flow port (78) are
closed. The refrigerant circuit (11) enters the state shown in FIG.
5(A), in which the second adsorption heat exchanger (15) functions
as a condenser, and the first adsorption heat exchanger (14)
functions as an evaporator.
[0129] As shown in FIG. 9, the first air that entered the room air
inlet passage (52) through the room air inlet port (32)
sequentially flows through the room air filter (37), the second
communication port (62), the second intermediate passage (56), and
the third flow port (73) to enter the first humidity adjustment
chamber (65), and passes through the first adsorption heat
exchanger (14). In the first adsorption heat exchanger (14),
moisture in the first air is adsorbed by the adsorbent, and heat
generated by the adsorption is absorbed by the refrigerant. The
first air dehumidified by the first adsorption heat exchanger (14)
sequentially flows through the fourth flow port (74), the fourth
intermediate passage (58), the fourth communication port (64), and
the inward supply passage (54), and enters the temperature
adjustment unit (8) through the humidity adjustment supply port
(34a) and the temperature adjustment supply port (34b).
[0130] The second air that entered the outside air inlet passage
(51) through the outside air inlet port (31) sequentially flows
through the outside air filter (36), the first communication port
(61), the first intermediate passage (55), and the fifth flow port
(75) to enter the second humidity adjustment chamber (66), and
passes through the second adsorption heat exchanger (15). In the
second adsorption heat exchanger (15), moisture is desorbed from
the adsorbent heated by the refrigerant, and the desorbed moisture
is given to the second air. The second air used for the recovery of
the adsorbent of the second adsorption heat exchanger (15)
sequentially flows through the sixth flow port (76), the third
intermediate passage (57), the third communication port (63), and
the outward discharge passage (53), enters the duct through the
outward discharge port (33), and is discharged outside the
room.
[0131] In the second operation of the dehumidification/circulation
operation, as shown in FIG. 10, the first flow port (71), the
second flow port (72), the seventh flow port (77), and the eighth
flow port (78) are opened, and the third flow port (73), the fourth
flow port (74), the fifth flow port (75), and the sixth flow port
(76) are closed. The refrigerant circuit (11) enters the state
shown in FIG. 5(B), in which the first adsorption heat exchanger
(14) functions as a condenser, and the second adsorption heat
exchanger (15) functions as an evaporator.
[0132] As shown in FIG. 10, the first air that entered the room air
inlet passage (52) through the room air inlet port (32)
sequentially flows through the room air filter (37), the second
communication port (62), the second intermediate passage (56), and
the seventh flow port (77) to enter the second humidity adjustment
chamber (66), and passes through the second adsorption heat
exchanger (15). In the second adsorption heat exchanger (15),
moisture in the first air is adsorbed by the adsorbent, and heat
generated by the adsorption is absorbed by the refrigerant. The
first air dehumidified by the second adsorption heat exchanger (15)
sequentially flows through the eighth flow port (78), the fourth
intermediate passage (58), the fourth communication port (64), and
the inward supply passage (54), and enters the temperature
adjustment unit (8) through the humidity adjustment supply port
(34a) and the temperature adjustment supply port (34b).
[0133] The second air that entered the outside air inlet passage
(51) through the outside air inlet port (31) sequentially flows
through the outside air filter (36), the first communication port
(61), the first intermediate passage (55), and the first flow port
(71) to enter the first humidity adjustment chamber (65), and
passes through the first adsorption heat exchanger (14). In the
first adsorption heat exchanger (14), moisture is desorbed from the
adsorbent heated by the refrigerant, and the desorbed moisture is
given to the second air. The second air used for the recovery of
the first adsorption heat exchanger (14) sequentially flows through
the second flow port (72), the third intermediate passage (57), the
third communication port (63), and the outward discharge passage
(53), enters the duct through the outward discharge port (33), and
is discharged outside the room.
<Humidification/Circulation Operation>
[0134] In the air conditioner (1) performing the
humidification/circulation operation, first operation and second
operation described later are alternately performed at
predetermined time intervals (e.g., every three minutes).
[0135] When the supply fan (30) of the air conditioner (1) is
operated during the humidification/circulation operation, the room
air enters the humidity adjustment casing (20) through the room air
inlet port (32) as first air. When the discharge fan (29) is
operated, the outside air enters the humidity adjustment casing
(20) through the outside air inlet port (31) as second air.
[0136] In the first operation of the humidification/circulation
operation, as shown in FIG. 9, the third flow port (73), the fourth
flow port (74), the fifth flow port (75), and the sixth flow port
(76) are opened, and the first flow port (71), the second flow port
(72), the seventh flow port (77), and the eighth flow port (78) are
closed. The refrigerant circuit (11) enters the state shown in FIG.
5(B), in which the first adsorption heat exchanger (14) functions
as a condenser, and the second adsorption heat exchanger (15)
functions as an evaporator.
[0137] As shown in FIG. 9, the first air that entered the room air
inlet passage (52) through the room air inlet port (32)
sequentially flows through the room air filter (37), the second
communication port (62), the second intermediate passage (56), and
the third flow port (73) to enter the first humidity adjustment
chamber (65), and passes through the first adsorption heat
exchanger (14). In the first adsorption heat exchanger (14),
moisture is desorbed from the adsorbent heated by the refrigerant,
and the desorbed moisture is given to the first air. The first air
humidified by the first adsorption heat exchanger (14) sequentially
flows through the fourth flow port (74), the fourth intermediate
passage (58), the fourth communication port (64), and the inward
supply passage (54), and enters the temperature adjustment unit (8)
through the humidity adjustment supply port (34a) and the
temperature adjustment supply port (34b).
[0138] The second air that entered the outside air inlet passage
(51) through the outside air inlet port (31) sequentially flows
through the outside air filter (36), the first communication port
(61), the first intermediate passage (55), and the fifth flow port
(75) to enter the second humidity adjustment chamber (66), and
passes through the second adsorption heat exchanger (15). In the
second adsorption heat exchanger (15), moisture in the second air
is adsorbed by the adsorbent, and heat generated by the adsorption
is absorbed by the refrigerant. The second air that gave the
moisture to the adsorbent of the second adsorption heat exchanger
(15) sequentially flows through the sixth flow port (76), the third
intermediate passage (57), the third communication port (63), and
the outward discharge passage (53), enters the duct through the
outward discharge port (33), and is discharged outside the
room.
[0139] In the second operation of the humidification/circulation
operation, as shown in FIG. 10, the first flow port (71), the
second flow port (72), the seventh flow port (77), and the eighth
flow port (78) are opened, and the third flow port (73), the fourth
flow port (74), the fifth flow port (75), and the sixth flow port
(76) are closed. The refrigerant circuit (11) enters the state
shown in FIG. 5(A), in which the second adsorption heat exchanger
(15) functions as a condenser, and the first adsorption heat
exchanger (14) functions as an evaporator.
[0140] As shown in FIG. 10, the first air that entered the room air
inlet passage (52) through the room air inlet port (32)
sequentially flows through the room air filter (37), the second
communication port (62), the second intermediate passage (56), and
the seventh flow port (77) to enter the second humidity adjustment
chamber (66), and passes through the second adsorption heat
exchanger (15). In the second adsorption heat exchanger (15),
moisture is desorbed from the adsorbent heated by the refrigerant,
and the desorbed moisture is given to the first air. The first air
humidified by the second adsorption heat exchanger (15)
sequentially flows through the eighth flow port (78), the fourth
intermediate passage (58), the fourth communication port (64), and
the inward supply passage (54), and enters the temperature
adjustment unit (8) through the humidity adjustment supply port
(34a) and the temperature adjustment supply port (34b).
[0141] The second air that entered the outside air inlet passage
(51) through the outside air inlet port (31) sequentially flows
through the outside air filter (36), the first communication port
(61), the first intermediate passage (55), and the first flow port
(71) to enter the first humidity adjustment chamber (65), and
passes through the first adsorption heat exchanger (14). In the
first adsorption heat exchanger (14), moisture in the second air is
adsorbed by the adsorbent, and heat generated by the adsorption is
absorbed by the refrigerant. The second air that gave the moisture
to the adsorbent of the first adsorption heat exchanger (14)
sequentially flows through the second flow port (72), the third
intermediate passage (57), the third communication port (63), and
the outward discharge passage (53), enters the duct through the
outward discharge port (33), and is discharged outside the
room.
<Cooling and Heating Operation>
[0142] The first air dehumidified or humidified by the humidity
adjustment unit (2) is temperature-adjusted by the temperature
adjustment unit (8). The air conditioner (1) of the present
embodiment performs heating/humidification operation and
cooling/dehumidification operation. The air conditioner (1) may be
configured to perform cooling/humidification operation and
heating/humidification operation.
[0143] In the cooling operation, the four-way switching valve (93)
of the refrigerant circuit (91) is set to the first state as shown
in FIG. 6(A). In this state, in the refrigerant circuit (91), the
refrigerant discharged from the temperature adjustment compressor
(92) sequentially circulates through the outdoor heat exchanger
(95), the motor-operated expansion valve (98), and the temperature
adjustment heat exchanger (94) to perform a refrigeration cycle. In
this case, in the refrigerant circuit (91), the outdoor heat
exchanger (95) functions as a condenser, and the temperature
adjustment heat exchanger (94) functions as an evaporator.
[0144] Specifically, the first air that entered the temperature
adjustment casing (80) is cooled as it passes through the
temperature adjustment heat exchanger (94), and the cooled first
air enters the duct through the inward supply port (89), and is
supplied to the inside of the room.
[0145] In the heating operation, the four-way switching valve (93)
of the refrigerant circuit (91) is set to the second state as shown
in FIG. 6(B). In this state, in the refrigerant circuit (91), the
refrigerant discharged from the temperature adjustment compressor
(92) sequentially circulates through the temperature adjustment
heat exchanger (94), the motor-operated expansion valve (98), and
the outdoor heat exchanger (95) to perform a refrigeration cycle.
In this case, in the refrigerant circuit (91), the outdoor heat
exchanger (95) functions as an evaporator, and the temperature
adjustment heat exchanger (94) functions as a condenser.
[0146] Specifically, the first air that entered the temperature
adjustment casing (80) is heated as it passes through the
temperature adjustment heat exchanger (94), and the heated first
air enters the duct through the inward supply port (89), and is
supplied to the inside of the room.
[0147] In this way, the air conditioner (1) adjusts the humidity
and the temperature of the air by combining three operations of
dehumidification or humidification, ventilation or circulation, and
cooling or heating. That is, when the air conditioner (1) selects
any one of the operations, the first air is dehumidified or
humidified, and is cooled or heated to be supplied to the inside of
the room, while passing through or circulating in the inside of the
room.
[0148] In the air conditioner (1) configured as described above,
the electrical component unit (19) and the temperature adjustment
compressor (12) of the humidity adjustment unit (2) are arranged in
the temperature adjustment casing (80) of the temperature
adjustment unit (8). The electrical component unit (19) contains an
inverter circuit for driving the temperature adjustment compressor
(12), etc., and a radiator fin (19a) for dissipating heat generated
in the electrical component unit (19). The radiator fin (19a)
constitutes a radiator.
[0149] As described above, the humidity adjustment unit (2)
includes a large number of components, such as the passages (51-58)
through which the air flows, the dampers (D1-D8), the heat
exchangers (14, 15), the filters (36, 37), etc. Therefore, the
humidity adjustment unit (2) tends to increase in size. By
contrast, the air flow passages in the temperature adjustment unit
(8) are simpler than those in the humidity adjustment unit (2).
Further, key components contained in the humidity adjustment casing
(20) are only the temperature adjustment heat exchanger (94) and
the supply fan (90). Thus, the number of the key components is
small.
[0150] Specifically, the electrical component unit (19) and the
temperature adjustment compressor (12) of the humidity adjustment
unit (2) are arranged in the temperature adjustment casing (80)
having a relatively large empty space. This can alleviate size
increase of the temperature adjustment unit (8), and can downsize
the humidity adjustment unit (2) as much as possible. Therefore,
the whole size of the air conditioner (1) can be downsized.
[0151] In general, the flow rate of air in the temperature
adjustment unit (8) is higher than that in the humidity adjustment
unit (2) (in particular, in the present embodiment, the temperature
adjustment unit (8) admits therein the room air through the
temperature adjustment room air inlet port (88), in addition to the
humidity-adjusted air from the humidity adjustment unit (2)). Thus,
the arrangement of the electrical component unit (19) in the air
flow passage in the temperature adjustment casing (80) can improve
efficiency of heat dissipation. Therefore, with the electrical
component unit (19) arranged in the air flow passage in the
temperature adjustment casing (80), the dimension of the radiator
fin (19a) required for a unit heat value can be reduced, thereby
downsizing the electrical component unit (19). That is, the
arrangement of the electrical component unit (19) in the
temperature adjustment casing (80) can reduce space for
installation of the electrical component unit (19) as compared with
the case where the electrical component unit (19) is arranged in
the humidity adjustment casing (20). This can downsize the whole
size of the air conditioner (1).
[0152] Further, in the above-described embodiment, the humidity
adjustment unit (2) can further be downsized by arranging the
temperature adjustment compressor (12) in the temperature
adjustment casing (80).
[Second Embodiment of the Invention]
[0153] An air conditioner (201) of a second embodiment of the
invention will be described below. The air conditioner (201) of the
second embodiment is different from that of the first embodiment in
that the air conditioner (201) of the second embodiment includes a
refrigerant circuit (211) shared between the humidity adjustment
unit (2) and the temperature adjustment unit (8), whereas the air
conditioner of the first embodiment includes the separate
refrigerant circuits (11, 91) for the humidity adjustment unit (2)
and the temperature adjustment unit (8). In the following
description, components similar to those of the first embodiment
are designated by the same reference characters, and the difference
between the first and second embodiments will be described
below.
[0154] Like the first embodiment, the air conditioner (201)
includes a humidity adjustment unit (202), a temperature adjustment
unit (208), and an outdoor unit (209).
[0155] The outdoor unit (209) contains an outdoor circuit (291a).
The outdoor circuit (291a) includes a compressor (292), an outdoor
motor-operated expansion valve (298), an outdoor four-way switching
valve (293), an outdoor heat exchanger (295) as a heat source heat
exchanger, and four stop valves (221-224). Although not shown, the
outdoor unit (209) contains an outdoor fan. The outdoor fan
supplies outside air to the outdoor heat exchanger (295).
[0156] In the outdoor circuit (291a), a discharge side of the
compressor (292) is connected to a first port of the outdoor
four-way switching valve (293), and a suction side of the
compressor (292) is connected to a second port of the outdoor
four-way switching valve (293). A fourth port of the outdoor
four-way switching valve (293) is connected to a second stop valve
(222). An end of the outdoor heat exchanger (295) is connected to a
third port of the outdoor four-way switching valve (293), and the
other end of the outdoor heat exchanger (295) is connected to a
first stop valve (221) through the outdoor motor-operated expansion
valve (298). A third stop valve (223) is connected between the
discharge side of the compressor (292) and the outdoor four-way
switching valve (293). A fourth stop valve (224) is connected
between the suction side of the compressor (292) and the outdoor
four-way switching valve (293).
[0157] The outdoor four-way switching valve (293) is configured to
be able to switch between a first state where the first and third
ports communicate with each other, and the second and fourth ports
communicate with each other (a state shown in FIG. 11), and a
second state where the first and fourth ports communicate with each
other, and the second and third ports communicate with each other
(a state shown in FIG. 12).
[0158] The temperature adjustment unit (208) contains a temperature
adjustment circuit (291b). The temperature adjustment circuit
(291b) includes a single temperature adjustment heat exchanger
(294) as a utilization heat exchanger. An end of the temperature
adjustment circuit (291b) is connected to the first stop valve
(221) of the outdoor circuit (291a), and the other end is connected
to the second stop valve (222) of the outdoor circuit (291a).
Although not shown, the temperature adjustment unit (208) contains
an indoor fan. The indoor fan supplies room air to the temperature
adjustment heat exchanger (294).
[0159] The humidity adjustment unit (202) contains a humidity
adjustment circuit (291c). The humidity adjustment circuit (291c)
includes a humidity adjustment motor-operated expansion valve
(218), a humidity adjustment four-way switching valve (213), and
two adsorption heat exchangers (214, 215).
[0160] In the humidity adjustment circuit (291c), a first
adsorption heat exchanger (214), the humidity adjustment
motor-operated expansion valve (218), and a second adsorption heat
exchanger (215) are sequentially arranged between the third port
and the fourth port of the humidity adjustment four-way switching
valve (213). A first port of the humidity adjustment four-way
switching valve (213) is connected to the third stop valve (223) of
the outdoor circuit (291a), and a second port is connected to the
fourth stop valve (224) of the outdoor circuit (291a).
[0161] The humidity adjustment four-way switching valve (213) is
configured to be able to switch between a first state where the
first and third ports communicate with each other, and the second
and fourth ports communicate with each other (a state shown in
FIGS. 11(A) and 12(A)), and a second state where the first and
fourth ports communicate with each other, and the second and third
ports communicate with each other (a state shown in FIGS. 11(B) and
12(B)).
[0162] In the air conditioner (201) configured in this manner, the
humidity adjustment four-way switching valve (213) and the outdoor
four-way switching valve (293) are controlled, respectively, while
circulating the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit (291) by the
single compressor (292), thereby performing switching of the
operation states of the two heat exchangers (214, 215) of the
humidity adjustment unit (202) (adsorption and desorption of
moisture), and switching of the cooling and heating operations of
the temperature adjustment unit (208).
<Cooling/Dehumidification Operation>
[0163] Specifically, in the cooling/dehumidification operation, the
outdoor four-way switching valve (293) is set to the first state,
and the degree of opening of the outdoor motor-operated expansion
valve (298) is suitably adjusted. In this state, in the refrigerant
circuit (291), the outdoor heat exchanger (295) functions as a
condenser, and the temperature adjustment heat exchanger (294)
functions as an evaporator. Then, the air which absorbed heat from
the refrigerant in the outdoor heat exchanger (295) is discharged
outside the room, and the air cooled by the temperature adjustment
heat exchanger (294) is supplied to the inside of the room.
[0164] By controlling the humidity adjustment four-way switching
valve (213), the humidity adjustment unit (202) alternately
performs operation in which the first adsorption heat exchanger
(214) and the second adsorption heat exchanger (215) in the
humidity adjustment circuit (291c) function as the condenser and
the evaporator, respectively, and operation in which the second
adsorption heat exchanger (215) and the first adsorption heat
exchanger (214) in the humidity adjustment circuit (291c) function
as the condenser and the evaporator, respectively. In combination
with this, the humidity adjustment unit (202) adjusts the dampers
(D1-D8), thereby performing any one of dehumidification/ventilation
operation of passing the outside air through the adsorption heat
exchanger serving as the evaporator to supply the outside air to
the inside of the room, and passing the room air through the
adsorption heat exchanger serving as the condenser to discharge the
room air outside the room, and dehumidification/circulation
operation of passing the room air through the adsorption heat
exchanger serving as the evaporator to supply the room air to the
inside of the room, and passing the outside air through the
adsorption heat exchanger serving as the condenser to discharge the
outside air outside the room.
<Heating/Humidification Operation>
[0165] In the heating/humidification operation, the outdoor
four-way switching valve (293) is set to the second state, and the
degree of opening of the outdoor motor-operated expansion valve
(298) is suitably adjusted. In this state, in the refrigerant
circuit (291), the temperature adjustment heat exchanger (294)
functions as the condenser, and the outdoor heat exchanger (295)
functions as the evaporator. Then, the air that dissipated heat to
the refrigerant in the outdoor heat exchanger (295) is discharged
outside the room, and the air heated by the temperature adjustment
heat exchanger (294) is supplied to the inside of the room.
[0166] By controlling the humidity adjustment four-way switching
valve (213), the humidity adjustment unit (202) alternately
performs operation in which the first adsorption heat exchanger
(214) and the second adsorption heat exchanger (215) in the
humidity adjustment circuit (291c) function as the condenser and
the evaporator, respectively, and operation in which the second
adsorption heat exchanger (215) and the first adsorption heat
exchanger (214) in the humidity adjustment circuit (291c) function
as the condenser and the evaporator, respectively. In combination
with this, the humidity adjustment unit (202) adjusts the dampers
(D1-D8), thereby performing any one of humidification/ventilation
operation of passing the outside air through the adsorption heat
exchanger serving as the condenser to supply the outside air to the
inside of the room, and passing the room air through the adsorption
heat exchanger serving as the evaporator to discharge the room air
outside the room, and humidification/circulation operation of
passing the room air through the adsorption heat exchanger serving
as the condenser to supply the room air to the inside of the room,
and passing the outside air through the adsorption heat exchanger
serving as the evaporator to discharge the outside air outside the
room.
[0167] As described above, even in the case where the first and
second adsorption heat exchangers (214, 215) of the humidity
adjustment unit (202), and the temperature adjustment heat
exchanger and the outdoor heat exchanger (294, 295) of the
temperature adjustment unit (208) are connected to the single
refrigerant circuit (291) including the single compressor (292),
the cooling dehumidification/ventilation operation, the cooling
dehumidification/circulation operation, the heating
humidification/ventilation operation, and the heating
humidification/circulation operation can selectively be performed
by controlling the humidity adjustment four-way switching valve
(213), the outdoor four-way switching valve (293), and the dampers
(D1-D8), respectively.
[0168] The compressor (292) of the outdoor unit (209) connected to
the temperature adjustment circuit (291b) is also utilized as the
humidity adjustment circuit (291c). This eliminates the need to
provide the compressors in the humidity adjustment casing (20) and
the temperature adjustment casing (80), respectively. Therefore,
the humidity adjustment unit (202) and the temperature adjustment
unit (208) can be downsized, thereby downsizing the whole size of
the air conditioner (201).
[Other Embodiments]
[0169] The above-described embodiments may be modified in the
following manner Specifically, in the above-described embodiments,
the humidity adjustment unit (2) is capable of selectively
performing the dehumidification/ventilation operation, the
humidification/ventilation operation, the
dehumidification/circulation operation, and the
humidification/circulation operation. However, the humidity
adjustment unit is not limited thereto. Any humidity adjustment
unit can be employed as long as it can adjust the humidity of the
air.
[0170] In the above-described embodiments, the air which is
humidity-adjusted by the humidity adjustment unit (2) is admitted
in the temperature adjustment unit (8) upstream of the temperature
adjustment heat exchanger (94), thereby adjusting the temperature
of the humidity-adjusted air. However, the humidity and temperature
adjustment is not limited thereto. For example, the air that has
been humidity-adjusted by the humidity adjustment unit (2) may be
introduced to the downstream of the temperature adjustment heat
exchanger (94) to merge with the air introduced through the
temperature adjustment room air inlet port (88), and has been
temperature-adjusted by the temperature adjustment heat exchanger
(94), and the merged air may be supplied to the inside of the room
through the inward supply port (89).
[0171] For merging the humidity-adjusted air and the
temperature-adjusted air, the humidity adjustment supply port (34a)
and the temperature adjustment supply port (34b) may be provided
below the temperature adjustment heat exchanger (94) in FIG. 2, or
the position of the temperature adjustment room air inlet port (88)
and the position of the inward supply port (89) may be replaced in
FIG. 2.
[0172] In the latter case, as shown in FIG. 11, space below the
temperature adjustment heat exchanger (94) is upstream space
containing the air which is not temperature-adjusted yet, and space
above the temperature adjustment heat exchanger (94) is downstream
space containing the temperature-adjusted air. The humidity
adjustment supply port (34a) and the temperature adjustment supply
port (34b) are provided in the downstream space downstream of the
temperature adjustment heat exchanger (94). In this case, the
electrical component unit (19) is positioned in the upstream space
upstream of the temperature adjustment heat exchanger (94).
Therefore, even when the temperature adjustment unit (8) performs
the heating operation, the electrical component unit (19) can be
cooled by the air which is not heated yet, thereby allowing for
efficient cooling.
[0173] The above-described embodiments have been set forth merely
for the purposes of preferred examples in nature, and are not
intended to limit the scope, applications, and use of the
invention.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0174] As described above, the present invention is useful for an
air conditioner including a humidity adjustment unit for adjusting
air humidity, and a temperature adjustment unit for adjusting air
temperature.
* * * * *